Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important national days of remembrance, and Anzac Day with kids in 2026 offers a meaningful opportunity to teach children about courage, community, and gratitude.
In 2026, Anzac Day falls on Saturday, April 25, giving many families the chance to slow down and honour the day together. For single mums juggling parenting, work, and everyday responsibilities, finding ways to mark the day that are simple yet meaningful can make all the difference.
The good news is that commemorating Anzac Day with children doesn’t need to be complicated. So, here are some thoughtful, family-friendly ways to observe this special day.
Why Celebrate Anzac Day with Kids
Anzac Day, held each year on April 25th, is one of the most significant national events across Australia and New Zealand. It is a day to remember the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey on 25 April 1915 during World War I. Out of the 295,000 Australians who served on the Western Front, 46,000 lost their lives. The first Anzac Day was held on 25 April 1916.
But more than just a history lesson, Anzac Day is a time for remembering the sacrifices of the soldiers of Australia and New Zealand who served and lost their lives.
Children don’t need to understand every historical detail to appreciate the values behind Anzac Day. At its heart, the day commemorates bravery, sacrifice, and mateship—qualities that can resonate even with younger children.
Is Anzac Day 2026 a public holiday on Monday, April 27?
No. In 2026, Anzac Day falls on Saturday, April 25. Most states (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, TAS, NT) will not observe a substitute public holiday on Monday. Only WA and the ACT have an additional holiday on Monday, April 27.
What Makes Anzac Day 2026 Special for Families
In 2026, Anzac Day falls on a Saturday, which may give families more flexibility to participate in remembrance activities. While rules about the Anzac Day 2026 public holiday vary slightly between states, many Australians will treat the weekend as an opportunity to attend local services, spend time together, and reflect.
For single mums especially, a Saturday commemoration can mean less pressure to rush through the morning before school or work commitments. It creates a natural window for families to learn about the day together and build meaningful traditions.
How to Commemorate Anzac Day with Kids in 2026
There are many simple Anzac traditions for kids that allow families to commemorate the day respectfully while keeping children engaged.
- Attend a Local Dawn Service
Dawn services are a longstanding Anzac Day tradition held across Australia. They symbolise the early morning landing of ANZAC troops at Gallipoli in 1915. If you plan to attend a dawn service with children:
- Bring warm jackets or blankets
- Pack a thermos of hot chocolate or tea
- Explain beforehand that the service will be quiet and respectful
Even younger children can participate by standing quietly for a moment of silence. For many families, attending a dawn service becomes a powerful annual ritual.
- Participate in Light Up the Dawn 2026
If attending a public service isn’t practical, Light Up the Dawn 2026 offers a meaningful alternative.
This community initiative began during the pandemic when people couldn’t attend traditional services. Families stood in their driveways or balconies at dawn with candles or torches to honour veterans.
Today, many families continue the tradition. It’s especially helpful for parents with small children who may find large crowds or early travel difficult.
- Anzac Day Badges and Shirts
Whenever we go to the shops in April, my daughter loves pointing out the poppies and badges at the counter. We always buy one to support the veterans, and I explain to her that the money helps people who served our country. She proudly wears her badge all day, even if it ends up on her toy rabbit by the afternoon.
Aside from badges, you and your kids can also wear Anzac apparel and accessories for the whole day. Wearing a poppy or a sprig of rosemary on your shirt is also a simple way to commemorate this important day without spending.
- Make Crafts on Anzac Day with Kids in 2026
Crafts are another wonderful way to engage little ones and great classroom activities, too. This year, my niece's class held a poppy wreath contest using red paper and glue. We are helping cut out the poppies, and the little ones stick them onto a paper plate to make a wreath.
If your kids are older, they might enjoy painting a poppy field or making a paper soldier silhouette. Crafts can also give them informal lessons about the history of Anzac Day.
You can also make a ‘Lest We Forget’ sign with cardboard and coloured pencils and place it in the front window. It’s a small but meaningful way to show respect to Australia's soldiers who fought during the First World War and other wars.
- Baking the "Long-Life" Anzac Biscuit
Few traditions feel as comforting—or as Australian—as baking Anzac biscuits on April 25. Making Anzac biscuits together is a lovely way to bring kids into the spirit of the day.
Little helpers can measure oats, stir ingredients, and roll the dough into small balls before baking. As the biscuits cook and the kitchen fills with their warm, caramel scent, it becomes a moment to pause, reflect, and talk about the traditions Australians have kept for generations.
Many families enjoy their biscuits after a dawn service or during a quiet morning at home, making this small ritual a comforting part of Anzac Day with kids 2026.
We love this Anzac biscuit recipe from RecipeTinEats.
Aside from the commemorative biscuits, you can also cook recipes celebrating the Anzacs.
Create Your Own Ritual for Anzac Day with Kids in 2026
Every family observes Anzac Day differently, and there’s no single “right” way to commemorate it. You might consider creating your own traditions, such as:
- Lighting a candle together at dawn
- Sharing Anzac biscuits after a dawn service
- Reading a remembrance story before bedtime
- Visiting a local war memorial
These small rituals help children build a sense of continuity and connection, even in the simplest moments. And the beauty is—you get to shape them in a way that fits your family, your energy, and your season of life.
If you’re wanting a little more inspiration on how meaningful routines can support your child’s sense of security and belonging, you might enjoy our article on family rituals and why they matter: "Family Rituals to Strengthen Love, Security, and Joy at Home"
Making Anzac Day Meaningful for Busy Single Mums
For single mums balancing work, finances, and parenting, it’s important to remember that meaningful traditions don’t need to be elaborate.
Even simple gestures—like lighting a candle or baking biscuits—can create powerful memories.
Children learn values not just through lessons, but through the everyday moments they share with their parents. Taking time to acknowledge Anzac Day together teaches empathy, gratitude, and community awareness.
Final Thoughts: Commemorating Anzac Day with Kids
Celebrating Anzac Day with kids in 2026 can be a thoughtful and enriching experience for the whole family. With the day falling on a Saturday, Anzac Day, many families will have extra space to reflect and participate in remembrance traditions.
Whether it’s through baking, crafting, or watching footy together, little moments help shape their understanding of the bravery of Australians and New Zealanders who have served and continue to serve these two countries. And as a single mum, I love that I get to create these traditions with my daughter. She’ll hopefully carry these with her, just as I did from my childhood.
FAQs
Q: Is Anzac Day 2026 a public holiday in Australia?
Yes. Anzac Day 2026 public holiday falls on Saturday, April 25. Public holiday arrangements may vary by state, but dawn services and commemorations will take place across Australia.
Q: What time is the 2026 Anzac Day Dawn Service?
Dawn services usually begin between about 4:20 am and 5:45 am, depending on the city. For example, Sydney’s main service at Martin Place starts at 4:20 am, while many other services, such as those in Canberra and Melbourne, begin around 5:30 am.
Q: What is a simple way to celebrate Anzac Day with kids in 2026?
A simple way to observe Anzac Day with kids 2026 is by attending a dawn service, joining Light Up the Dawn 2026, baking Anzac biscuits, or making poppy crafts together. These activities help children understand the meaning of remembrance in a gentle way.
